Create small works of fiber art! We’ve all doodled, sketching with short pencil strokes or shapes in the margins of notes or homework. In part one of the all-new Sewing With Nancy program, Doodle Stitching, I show how to translate those sketched doodles onto fabric with your sewing machine stitches. The sewing is fast, and the end result very gratifying.

Zigzag Doodles

InDoodle Stitching Part One,I begin by doodling with a zigzag stitch. Queen Ann’s Lace flowers can easily be sketched with a condensed zigzag stitch and a little sewing savvy. You’ll be impressed how using what’s commonly known as a bartack stitch can turn into an artistic design.

Sketch ‘n Stitch

Odds and ends of silk cut into squares and stitched to fabric showcase my next doodle project inDoodle Stitching Part One. Learn to use a single motif of a decorative stitch that’s already programmed into your sewing machine as part of the doodling process. Like the pencil and paper sketching, each Sketch ‘n Stitch project will be it’s own, unique work of art.

Playful Decorative Stitching

Odds are, most of us who sew or quilt rarely use the decorative stitches built in or programmed into our machines. These artistic stitches are just waiting to be tested and featured in an upcoming project. Nonchalantly testing out a variety of stitches on fabric without care of direction is our next doodle stitching experiment. Not only can you create an interesting art piece, you’ll see what magical stitches your machine has in store inDoodle Stitching Part One,

I’ll guide you through my fun techniques for painting with thread and scraps of fabric. Don’t worry about perfection—these techniques are made to give you beautiful results, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sewist.

85 Comments

Treva CampbellMarch 26, 2017

I’m always drawing out landscapes to decide if I would like to paint them. Now I have a NEW way to use my drawings and that is with Doodle Stitching. Thanks to you Nancy. I just watched your show showing this on March 25, 2017. I am a big quilter, so on Saturday’s I always watch PBS at 4:30 p.m. and that is Sewing with Nancy. I love your show.

Peggy VOctober 30, 2016

I do not doodle but seeing the beautiful work will definitely give it a try!~!!!

Ellen R. in MNOctober 25, 2016

I have not been a doodler but I can see how it would be helpful as I move into free motion quilting. For years I didn’t consider myself creative but I’m learning that is not true. The book will help to free up my creativity!

MartyOctober 25, 2016

I doodled in my daily diary for years as a teenager and then over 30 years later in the borders of scrapbooks. I’m totally ready to try it with thread painting!

I have just begun to sew again. This book is so very unique it would add so much to my new creations. Have the utmost respect for Nancy and have listened to her and read so much lately. Would love to win the book to add to the library, on Nancy, that I am building. Thanks Nancy.

Marge WombleOctober 24, 2016

I doodle a lot when I am on the telephone on hold and even sometimes when I am talking to friends.
I even doodle at times when I am reading something interesting on the computer I have found.

Debbie ChenowethOctober 22, 2016

I doodle all the time but I have not thought about using them like this.

Kathy E.October 21, 2016

I like to doodle while I’m waiting for appointments or while traveling to places as long as I’m not driving! My favorite doodles are flowers and swirls and paisleys.

KarenOctober 21, 2016

I doodle when I’m waiting whether it is at the doctor’s office, at home, athletic event, etc.

AliceOctober 21, 2016

I would doodle around the outside of my notes, during a review in class, or sometimes during a sunday school class. Almost always during a phone conversation.

Linda RupeOctober 21, 2016

Coffee shops are made for doodling in sketchbooks! As well as any sidewalk cafe table or park bench. Thank you for more beautiful and practical ideas.

Kelly SasOctober 21, 2016

I find my myself doodling all the time, even at sewing seminars, classes when listening to the instructor! It is calming and helps me to focus on listening instead of my mind wandering off.

Nelda MohrOctober 21, 2016

I doodle a lot during meetings or while I’m talking on the phone. I love the examples of doodling on fabric. I’d like to learn how.

Roberta AOctober 21, 2016

I’ve been getting back into sewing and this looks like such an interesting way to add interest to different projects. I doodle when I’m on the phone, in meetings, and other times. This would be a great book to win.

TinaOctober 21, 2016

While waiting for my daughter during one of her many activities; piano lessons, ice skating lessons, flute lessons, tennis lessons.

Martha DrabiskiOctober 21, 2016

You have given me so many ideas through the years of following you & doodling with stitches is the best.

Donna N.October 21, 2016

While watching tv or waiting for appointments. Have to do 2 things at once.

LeslieOctober 21, 2016

I need to get doodling and these projects are a great inspiration.

JaneOctober 20, 2016

I doodle when on the phone or listening to a lecture or presenter. I started doodling on the “telephone book” and never stopped.

Cheryl N.October 20, 2016

My doodling takes place in meetings, it helps me concentrate.

BonnieOctober 20, 2016

I doodle in a small notebook when I’m on the phone or waiting for an appointment. Even though I have never tried doodling on my sewing machine, I would love to learn the technique. Thanks for the great giveaway!

JenniferOctober 20, 2016

Doodling is a great way to get ideas out if my head and onto paper so that I can do something with those ideas. I just recently bought a sketchbook and hope to get started on this right away. I would sketch during those quiet times at home when no one else is around.
Loving these ideas.
Jennifer

Arlene BurgerOctober 20, 2016

I doodle with my 9 yr old granddaughter when she visits. After watching your show I thought how cute would it be to take one of hers and add to a top or skirt that I sew for her.

Harriet wetherellOctober 20, 2016

I took your advice to sketch for memory movements when quilting free from. Would like to add some creativity and learn the new needle arts using my machine.

Sue MangoOctober 20, 2016

I love to doodle when I’m on the phone. Also at night when my eyes are tired. Sue

MaureenOctober 20, 2016

Doodling with my sewing machine will be another aspect to add in making modern quilts. I am very excited about this technique.

Edna MOctober 20, 2016

I doodle while in meetings, it helps me concentrate on what is going on.

Patricia M RadloffOctober 20, 2016

Doodling is a way of relaxation and exploring ones mind of creativity. To be able to transform one’s doodles to a work of art would be the ultimate satisfaction.

Gail BeamOctober 20, 2016

I always doodle when I am on the phone, I sketch out ideas that I might see at a store or on a blog or a magazine, etc. which might come in handy for a project to use later for one of my grandchildren.

I have a small book with blank pages I sketch creative ideas and drawings in.

Rhonda D in KYOctober 20, 2016

I like to doodle when I’m on the phone and/or watching TV. Unfortunately my sewing machine only has one decorative stitch. Wish I could afford a new machine especially to try doodle stitching. Sounds sew fun!

MILLIE CARPENTEROctober 20, 2016

I HAVE SKETCH BOOKS FULL OF DOODLES AND SKETCHES THAT WHEN I DID WHILE SUBSTITUTING AND WHEN I WAS FULL TIME I DID WHILE IN TEACHERS MEETINGS. SO I HAVE A WEALTH OF IDEAS.

RobinOctober 20, 2016

I doodle when I’m watching TV. I love that your new book takes advantage of all those fancy stitches on our machines that we rarely use. A great idea!

Diane S.October 20, 2016

I used to doodle during lectures in college. I haven’t done so in a long time so re-learning that skill would be fun.

Kaye MOctober 20, 2016

I tend to doodle when I am on the phone and get put on “hold”. I draw on the back of envelopes or whatever is Handy! Your pillow with the decorative stitches is gorgeous!

BonnyeOctober 20, 2016

I do not doodle but I think it might be fun to do so. It may help me with my quilting.

Anita BerryOctober 20, 2016

Some of my best come at the end of the day as I am unwinding from the day. I would love to know how to get these doodles on to the emb. machine.

I’m not artistic at all but I can doodle! I would use these in pillows and purses and maybe tote bags or gift bags!!

PatriciaOctober 20, 2016

This sounds like so much fun! I would love to try it!!!

beth d.October 20, 2016

I would love to learn how to do this pillow and flower design. Thanks for the giveaway.

VickiOctober 20, 2016

Doodling, remind me of school days, I’m trying to keep a sketch book handy so I can try sewing Doodles. I would love to have a book to inspire me to get with it.. I think it would be a great way to do quilt stitches.

Lynda HugillOctober 20, 2016

I am a keen traveller and record my experiences often, whether its wildlife botany or landscapes. Making doodle art using combinations of these would be great fun and a super way to develop my drawing and sewing skills!

LindaC in AZOctober 20, 2016

I doodle while sitting at the kitchen table looking out the back door and seeing the greenery and flowers and butterflies. It’s beautiful.

PatOctober 20, 2016

The doodle pillow is great! It seems like such a shame not to use all the beautiful stitches my machine can do. This is a wonderful example of how to do that. Can’t wait to try it.

CarolOctober 20, 2016

I have never been a doodler but think maybe I should try. I can see how it would help especially when quilting. Thanks Nancy for all the tips!

Monica ADOctober 20, 2016

Nothing like a doodle … FIESTA

DebbieWOctober 20, 2016

Nancy, I watched your program on doodling, and your book would be fantastic in learning to be more creative while using all those stitches we tend to overlook.

I doodle in church, some of the pictures are beautiful, as well as stained glass windows.

Karen PattersonOctober 20, 2016

Hi Nancy!
I love the doodles idea! I do it a lot while on the phone mostly. I do love to draw, and have since I was a young 14 year old. I now do it in pastels and paints and I like the idea of trying it in thread! I especially like your satin pillow with the fancy stitches. I must try that. I would love to win the book! I’m always making gifts and there might be some more neat ideas in it!

LelaOctober 20, 2016

I love your doodle quilt! I have never been much of a doodler, but this technique is so simple and satisfying that I have to try it. I discovered an app for my phone that allows me to doodle “on the go”, so I now doodle while sitting in the car waiting for the kids, while waiting at appointments, or when sitting on the sofa watching my husband sleep to football. I’m currently working on a my masterpiece! I just need to learn more stitches to make them come to life.

Jean GBOctober 20, 2016

I just got a new sewing machine with tons of stitch designs. What a great way to try them and have something to use at the end.

JoannaOctober 20, 2016

I’m not a naturally “creative” person so sometimes it takes a little push and an idea from a book or article to get me going in the right direction. This book looks like it could do it for me…

DebeOctober 20, 2016

I doodle while talking on the phone or listening to a speaker. It seems I can concentrate more when doodling & if I have to make a note to remember something the pen & paper are already handy!

StarlaOctober 20, 2016

I like the pillow that makes use of the unusual stitches.

Jan HintzpeterOctober 20, 2016

A scrap of paper and a pencil just call to me to sketch doodles. I would love to have a copy of Nancy’s Doodle Stitching Book!

Betty PegramOctober 20, 2016

I doodle when I sew clothes. I doodle when I get ready to quilt. I can make the best stick people . I design my doll clothes with doodling embroidery designs I might add. I love this idea of finishing your doodles. I love your shows. Keep making them.

I doodle while watching television with my husband, especially if it is something I just do not like. I have done some free motion machine embroidery and it was so much fun. Yet, I never thought about using my doodles on a project; it is a great idea! I would love to win this book and learn so much more from you and your techniques and advice! Thank you for the opportunity and for sharing all the information and spectacular videos that you do!

Kimberly HubbardOctober 20, 2016

This is a new and creative idea!! “Stitching my Doodles” – I can’t wait to get started.

Kim HOctober 20, 2016

Looks like lots of fun! I love the Queen Anne’s lace.

Laurie BondOctober 20, 2016

I keep a doodle notebook with me when I know I can’t sew. Like in a hotel room, at night before bed, sometimes in the car if someone else is driving, Other times when my sewing machine is not near.

Dot ClarkOctober 20, 2016

My husband enjoys watching TV. I, on the other hand, would be happier in my sewing room. To keep from fidgeting so much while keeping him company, I tend to doodle on my iPad, or doodle on my notepad. ✍️

Kim R CamposOctober 20, 2016

I love doodling, I mostly doodle when I am on the phone but definitely do it other times as well.

CarolOctober 20, 2016

I always have a notepad and pen handy when I talk on the phone otherwise I might be playing spider solitaire on my iPad. Doodling helps me pay more attention to the conversation than playing solitaire!

Susan LordOctober 20, 2016

I doodle while I’m waiting for an appointment or watching TV and am too tired to work on my hand applique.

Kathleen SergasOctober 20, 2016

I love to doodle and this book looks like a lot of fun…

JeanneOctober 20, 2016

I “doodle” stitched with my machine and am keeping a “book” with decorative stitches in various widths and lengths. Used the book to select different decorative stitches on each segment of a large dresden plate to attach it to my table runner.

Christina GingerichOctober 20, 2016

What fun! Would be great to use on grandchildren’s clothes!

Patricia LawsonOctober 20, 2016

I would love to do this on my Babylock! I have so many doodles from a previous hobby I would love to transfer them to my sewing!

Chris BowyerOctober 20, 2016

I never thought of that! How clever!

DebbieOctober 20, 2016

I seem to do most of my doodling while I am in meetings now. I use to do it while in class when younger…….or just for fun in Art Class.

Cindy PetersonOctober 20, 2016

How can anyone get through a meeting without doodling? Even when I am taking notes, there is time to doodle.

Jeanet WilsonOctober 20, 2016

Doodling is so much fun and s tension reliever when taking notes for a class.

JoyceOctober 20, 2016

I meant boring speaker.

JoyceOctober 20, 2016

I doodle while on hold with a phone call or while listening to a. Orang speaker.

Patricia NealOctober 20, 2016

If I have pen and paper I am ready to doodle!!

Margaret MortonOctober 20, 2016

Doodle on the phone or when in a meeting…have to start doing it in a sketchbook instead of on mtg agendas .

LindaOctober 20, 2016

I like to doodle when I’m tired. I tend to be less inhibited and do more thinking outside the box.

I love to sketch while walking through the woods. It is so exciting to see that I might be able to transfer some of those doodles onto fabrics. I picture a quilt made with them, and pillows, and on a purse and on shirt fronts and… oh gee, This really looks like fun!

Jenean McGuiganOctober 20, 2016

I am forever a doodler. I work in sales, so I find myself doodling while speaking with a customer on the phone, not even aware I’m doing it. (It helps me concentrate apparently) I would love to win “Doodle Stitching”, I can put a lot of these doodles to work in a creative and permanent way. Either way, I will definitely get this book. Looks fantastic

My brain “doodles” when I’m in the shower in the morning. I can’t transfer what I see in my head then, so I have to get them on paper later. They stay in my head, so I transfer them when I’m sitting down before I go online to read emails, etc. I never know what form of art they’ll become. That’s what’s fun.

Dianne G PattersonOctober 20, 2016

I love doodling on just about anything. The thought never occurred to me to use my doodles on my quilts or other projects. I’d love to win the book and use all the ideas and the decorative stitches built into my machine that I’ve never used.

Susan SpiersOctober 20, 2016

I haven’t tried doodling much-but having a sketchbook handy, especially when on vacation-would be an opportunity to doodle events and goings on of life at every opportunity!

Stacie PinkstonOctober 20, 2016

I sit and doodle usually when I am making list. As I think of things that I need to do, I doodle in my notebook.